Siegen Ingold |
Siegen looks at Ziyad and Jacob conversing quietly.
He approaches, whispering gruffly:
"What is the matter?"
Brother Jacob |
Jacob turns back to Siegen, hearing his inquiry and whispers in a low voice.
"Ziyad seems to think that our guide is a goblin in disguise. We're currently discussing how best to bind him. I have suggested iron. What do you think, Master Dwarf? Do your people have any insight into faeries?"
Siegen Ingold |
Once Siegen realises what is going one, the dwarf snorts with amusement.
"Nothing to worry about then. Good. Let us carry on!"
Daniel Stewart |
The trip to the Hofsner Steading is uneventful. As the sun begins it's western decline, it reflects it's golden rays against the otherwise dark forest. A slight chill begins to creep from the ancient woods, along with a thin fog hugging the ground. To the west the sun shines on the many forgotten farmer's fields until in the distance you can make out a number of buildings clustered around a central square.
The buildings of Hofner's farm make a defensive wall to the outside world with only an opening between two barns. The heavy gate is open at the moment and as you close the gap, a pair of brindled dogs race out of the gap and start barking and baying at your approach. Robin kneels and both dogs run to greet the lad, their barking halted and tails wagging.
"Come..they will not bite while I am with you.", the young forester says as he disappears through the gate...both dogs following him.
Sigfried the Strong |
Sorry for the delay, migraine hit me in the head again
Siegfried followed onwards behind Robin, unaware of the deception or the murmurings of his companions behind him. He was certain that if it was of importance, they would tell him. Yet his attention is more on the setting sun falling down behind them. It was almost as if the forest knew they were coming and did what it could to delay their arrival until darkness settled upon it; giving it its greater power. He silently whispered a prayer to the gods for their protection as they arrived at the farm.
Walking in, Siegfried watched the dogs but he didn't react defensively; such protecters weren't uncommon where he came from. Dogs were sometimes the only line of defense outside of a knife that the common people had. With that in mind, he would nod for Robin to lead them onwards to see Sarah and learn what they could.
Daniel Stewart |
Once inside the courtyard of the farm, several people exit the surrounding buildings. Most are men...each seemingly armed with a farming implement of some sort.
"Hey now! Who are you ta be just a wandering up inta our home?"
The group seems on the verge of taking violent exception to your presence when Robin walks over to the older man who was doing the talking.
"Is that any way to treat the Count's chosen men? These here people are going to discover what happened out at Weber's farm. Is Sarah still here? They will be wanting to speak with her as well."
The older man grimaces at the boy, but motions for the others to lower their weapons.
"Eh Robin...should have know if there was a farthing to be made bringing these folk out here it would be you doin' it."
The frown trembles for a bit before the man bursts into a loud laugh and he engulfs the lad in a giant bear hug.
"Ah, it's good ta see ya lad. Been too long. Is it true? Are these fine folk here to help out poor Sarah and discover the goblin bastards who burned down Weber's farm?"
He looks you all over as he speaks to your guide, a look of hope.
"Aye, that they are! I'll introduce you to them. My gentle sirs, this is Farmer Jonas Hofsner."
Ziyad |
Ziyad, with his exotic robes and unplaceable accent, felt quite out of sorts here among the farmers. Though he would never utter such an insult aloud, he considered that this people's imaginations could never reach up to the stars...could hardly view past the next harvest. Still, the wizard yet sought to nurture this growing bud of civilization...after all that was the right response to the wilds of nature, wasn't it?
Or perhaps he was the ignorant one, not at all yet versed in the whispered Old Ways...he had to remind himself to keep an open mind, and project an aura of respect.
"...yes, any information you can offer would be most welcome. We seek to end this menace, once and for all. I am Ziyad, Medium of the Fallen Twin Stars." the strange sound of his voice getting more than one curious eyebrow raise from the crowd.
Brother Jacob |
Jacob nods in greeting and holds out his hand to Farmer Hofsner. "I am Brother Jacob. The count asked us to look into the attack. Is there anything you might now about the local goblins? Do they normally do something like this? Faeries are generally tricksters but rarely resort to violence as far as I know, but then again, I am not from the Dolmenwood."
Siegen Ingold |
Siegen advances past the dogs and to the front of the group.
"Well met, farmer Jonas. I am Siegen Ingold, of the hold Nargaakarak in the Grey Hills, and I am glad to be on this task. Anything that you can tell us about these attacks could help us end them quickly."
Sigfried the Strong |
"You may call me Siegfried. It is a pleasure to meet you Jonas." The warrior says, giving a nod of respect to the farmer. "As my comrades had said, any information you or Sarah can give us would be most helpful. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, as they say."
Daniel Stewart |
You are all greeting and directed into one of the doors off the main courtyard. Within is a large room containing a long trestle table and benches, At the far end and great hearth is roaring with half a pig on the spit. A young girl turns the spit while a woman with a large bowl and a basting mop applies a delicious sauce to the sizzling meat. The whole room smells delicious.
"Please, have a seat while we fetch Sarah. She has been slowly getting over the horror of the attack...she is a strong woman!"
This last is said almost with a touch of pride in his voice.
"As to the goblins...well we have not had a lick of trouble from them in almost 50 years or so. Sprites and other fairies, sure, but nothing like this!"
As he finishes, a man enters the room with a frail-looking older woman in tow.
"Ah now my new friends, this is Sarah Weber. Sarah, these people are here to find answers to what happened at yer farm and to help get rid of those evil goblins! Can you tell 'em what you told us about the attack? I know its difficult darling, but they need to know what they might be up against!"
Slowly the worn woman makes her way to the bench and sits. Up close she actually does not look much older and 30 summers, but carries herself as an ancient crone.
"It were early in the morning when we first noticed something was amiss. The dog ya see...they normally are a barking and carrying on ta be fed, but this morning they was silent...and we would soon learn why!"
She stops and takes a deep breath.
Here Robert, fetch a lass a pint of apple brandy ta fortify her telling of the tale!", Jonas says to the man who brought Sarah in.
"Right now lassie, in yer own time!"
With a small pewter mug in hand, Sarah picks up her story.
"Pa and Uncle Bruce went down to the milking barn to start the day's chores, and the rest of us were busy getting breakfast started and the house tidied. About a half-glass went by and neither Pa or Uncle Bruce returned from the barn, but we could hear old Milch, our milking cow, calling out. Tomas went next and within a few moments of his entering the barn, he was running back like Lords and Ladies themselves were a chasing him! He almost made it to the door, but an ugly goblin came from behind the barn and shot him down. Crawling he was...trying to get back to us, but more of the green devils came out. About five or so of them there was...and only us women-folk and children to fight them off. Ma when and grabbed the spear and Margret was getting good with the bow, so they went out while the rest of us gathered what we could and tried to escape...but I was the only one to get out! They killed everyone! They killed all the livestock..chickens, old Milch...even the ox we had borrowed to plow the winter grain from Farmer Jens down the way...nothing survived...nothing ...except ..me!"
The cup slips from her hands and she covered her face and softly begins to weep. No other sound can be heard in the cookhouse.
Siegen Ingold |
"My condolences for the loss of your kin, Sarah. We will seek out the trail of these goblins at your farm. The Lords and Ladies? Who are they, that you might have thought they were involved?"
I have an idea OOC what she's referring to but Siegen...likely doesn't.
Daniel Stewart |
The group look somewhat bemused by the dwarf's confession of not knowing who, or what, the Lords and ladies were.
Jonas responded.
"The Lords and Ladies is the name we give the Sidhe, or the High Court of Winter. The area was once under the control of the Queen o' Winter and her people. There was a big battle and our side won...though occasionally one of the Lords and Ladies comes ta visit...or the fey slip out to cause all kinds of mischief."
Daniel Stewart |
"Why, back in their own land I would suspect. It is said that they come to the mortal realm simply to drain the beauty and emotion from our lands as their own world is cold and lifeless...or so tale and stories tell. Do you think they might have something to do with the goblins attack?"
Jonas looks to the group expectantly, as do all the others in the room...nary a breath is let out as they await an answer.
Siegen Ingold |
"I know less of them than you do, truth be told. But I know goblins. They need no reason at all to pillage and slay. My people have battled them for countless generations and I am glad of any opportunity to thin their numbers."
Ziyad |
"We encountered a frost maiden when a local child went missing recently...while we can't confirm it to be one of the ice fey, it seemed quite likely and matching the descriptions we were given. Any connection to the goblins is just speculation on my part, but as you say...something exotic is riling them up." the medium explained.
Daniel Stewart |
"Well....maybe it is just a bunch of nasty goblins moving into the area and that's it! I suppose the Count has you looking into all of this, so we will put you up for the night, and Robin here can take you to the old farmstead in the morning if that is fine with you? The bunkhouse is mostly empty this time of year so we can set you up there. Robin, show them to the bunks and then bring em back here once you are all settled for dinner."
Jonas, Sarah and Robert leave the kitchen hall as Robin shows you out to a building across the yard. It is long and low, with most of you having to duck to enter, but once inside there is plenty of head-space...as long as you stay to the middle of the room!
The building has a cold hearth in the middle and several cots running down the far side of the room. A few moments after entering three young women enter with armfuls of blankets, pillows and towels. A few seconds later, Robert comes in and starts the fire while two other men bring in several armloads of wood to keep the fire going throughout the night.
Siegen Ingold |
"You have a comfortable home. Thank you for the hospitality.", Siegen will say to Jonas.
Brother Jacob |
Unaccustomed to such generosity, Brother Jacob does his best to help the farmers in whatever chores they are performing and if they refuse his help, offers to help chop wood or anything else they might require.
If they resist, he tells them that he is under a holy obligation to make himself useful and not receive any gift without offering something in kind.
Sigfried the Strong |
Sigfried remained quiet throughout most of the conversation, more adept to tactical thinking than pondering the why's and the how's of the enemy. Yet the conversation steered towards the Winter Court of Faeries and it made his knuckles tighten for a moment.
"Was that woman one of them? Could they be involved with my mentor's disappearance?" Sigfried keeps his thoughts to himself however, not wanting to spook the traumatized woman any more than she already was.
"Indeed, we will see what has riled these goblins up and make sure they never harm anyone like that again. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated." Sigfried would hoist his backpack a bit more, ready to put it down for the night and find some rest before the hunt resumed in the morning.
Daniel Stewart |
While those doing their chores do not say anything, they smile and give a nod of thanks to Brother Jacob for his help.
Dinner is soon ready, and it seems the entire clan has arrived to eat. The table is packed, and a few of the younger family members are sent to eat at a smaller table set up on the far side of the room. The meal is mostly quiet, as the family seems to be respecting the visitor's privacy, however, you can see some of the younger adults and the children really want to ask about the world outside their small area.
If you want you can make small talk, or if you have any more questions, you can ask now...otherwise I will move on to the morning
Dinner is delicious and filling and you all return to your beds with a full stomach and sleep deep and well. Sooner than you wish, morning is upon you and a quick breakfast of cheese, bacon, eggs and weak ale is waiting for you in the dining hall. Once finished, Robin shows up.
"Ok, well-rested and ready to go? Follow me...it should only take about half an hour or so."
The weather is crisp and clear.
Siegen Ingold |
Dinner
"I would know how this Winter Court were driven off before, in case it is indeed they behind this. Is there something that they fear, or is sturdy dwarven steel sufficient?"
**********
Breakfast
"That was a magnificent breakfast. Lead on, Robin."
Pickles Twiddletoe |
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Pickles had finally joined the others after spending an inordinate amount of time trying to befriend the family pets. He arrived just as they were being shown their sleeping arrangements, and smiled to himself when he didn't have to duck to enter. There are advantages to being small. He ate at the childrens table for meals, as it was more comfortable, and he didn't have to climb into or jump off of the chairs. The next morning he not only ate everything he could, he also stuffed his pockets with leftovers. Might need something for second breakfast.
He follows the others whistling a merry tune, and carving something unrecognizable which he swears is a swan out of a hunk on wood.
Daniel Stewart |
Siegen: Robert, the other adult male at the table turns to Siegen.
"Well as I have heard it told, many knights from the surrounding kingdoms gathered at the edge of the Dolmenwood and challenged the Elder to combat. The leader of the Fey was known as the Cold Prince, and he and his knights laid low many a famous lordling. In the end, however, humanity was able to prevail and a magical web of lines was laid across the lands barring entry to the mortal realm. From that day till today, some of the Winter Court still try to gain access to our lands...and occasionally they succeed!"
He gives a bit of a shiver at this last thought before looking back at the diners and smiling.
"Or so the legends say"
________________________________________________________
Pickles: Your time at the farm has been one of exploration and play, both with the children of Hofsner Farm and their animals. You were told that, unfortunately, the female dog and her male consort had not had a litter in several years, and that both were probably too old to reproduce. One of the children did remember the Weber's had dogs, but it sounded like they might have been killed by the goblins.
The children of the farm are enamoured with Pickles and as he prepares to leave, they press upon him all sorts of small gifts...food and candy mostly, but one youngish boy did present him with an ancient toy knight made of pewter.
Ziyad |
Ziyad listened attentively to Robert's story...he had heard of the ley lines of course, but never realized it was meant as a fence or barrier against the faerie court. Still, with a belly full of roast beef and farm-fresh vegetables the wounded wizard nearly dozed off in his seat.
____________
In the morning, the scholar ate as much bacon and eggs as he could, but pocketed a small wedge of cheese for later. After sloshing out the river water in his leather bottle and replacing it with the weak ale he was ready for adventure.
Pickles Twiddletoe |
Pickles shows great gratitude to the children, and takes the soldier with awe. "Thank you. Now I have someone to watch my back". He tucks the soldier deep into the folds of his clothes.
"I'll come back to visit when we're through, and teach you guys some new games".
Daniel Stewart |
Robin leads the group along the eves of the Dolmenwood. The land is wild and only lightly can you see the hand of civilization upon the swaying grasses and copses of trees. Most of what is there is old and ruined but humans are a stubborn race and they continue to strive against nature until it has surrendered to the plow, but they are also fragile and nature needs only be patient before she can reassert her control over the land.
The weather is still cool, but the sky is an azure bowl with nary a cloud to mar its vastness. The contrast between the light of the sky and darkness of the forest is not lost on any of you, and you all keep a watchful eye on the woods.
It is only a short while later that you crest a small hill and look down onto the ruins of a small farmstead. While no smoke rises from the remains, you can still see that this is a recent blight and as you get closer, the smell of death hangs over the place in the still, quiet air. Only the occasional buzzing of insects can be heard coming from the farmyard.
"Well here we are. Weber farm...or what's left of it!"
While he tries to seem unaffected by what he sees before him, it is obvious the boy is shaken by the level of violence and wanton destruction.
Brother Jacob |
Brother Jacob follows behind the group, trying to lend encouragement to his companions as best he can. Nature seems to be displaying its finery this morning, and he is happy to be out on such a beautiful day.
As they survey the homestead, he nods in agreement to the halfling's question. "I agree. Scouting to avoid an ambush like we had with those bats would be a great boon for everyone, Mr. Twiddletoe."
Sigfried the Strong |
"I am in agreement, you are the quietest and least noticeable of us all. Shout for us if anything happens and we'll come, ready and able." The young warrior shifts the armor on his body with near effortless strength, giving the halfling a reassuring smile.
Siegen Ingold |
Siegen nods at Pickles, confident in his short companion's abilities.
Ninja'ed by taking a while to post!
Daniel Stewart |
While Pickles you think you might not be doing the best sneaking job you have ever done, it turns out not to actually matter as there is nothing within the ruin. The attack happened days ago, and nothing is left...not even bodies! You hope that the other local farmers buried the dead, but as to the livestock, you see no sign of the bodies that Sarah spoke of. You do find areas where some of the animals could have been butchered, but it looks like everything was taken away...bones, offal, hide and meat.
Pickles, please roll a d6 for me